There are certain things we all expect to have in our community: an education system that gives all students the opportunity to learn, public safety systems that protect the vulnerable, clean water, safe streets and sidewalks, and a social safety net that protects working families. None of us can provide these services on our own. These are things we are only able to secure when we work together through our government.

Sondra Peskoe/guest columnist

Brookline has long been known for its independence, resisting being absorbed into Boston. We’re a separated piece of Norfolk County surrounded by Suffolk County.

However independent we consider ourselves geographically, we’re not, socially and economically. There are certain things we all expect to have in our community: an education system that gives all students the opportunity to learn, public safety systems that protect the vulnerable, clean water, safe streets and sidewalks, and a social safety net that protects working families.

None of us can provide these services on our own. These are things we are only able to secure when we work together through our government.

On Nov. 2, Massachusetts voters will be asked to weigh in on three ballot questions that could profoundly impact Brookline and other communities throughout the commonwealth.

Ballot Question 1 would give liquor a special exemption from the sales tax normally reserved for necessities such as food, essential clothing, and prescriptions, eliminating $110 million in revenue that goes directly into substance abuse and treatment programs in Massachusetts. Ballot Question 2 would eliminate the state’s affordable housing law, making it more difficult for seniors and working families to find affordable housing in Massachusetts. Ballot Question 3 would cut the state’s sales tax by more than half, cutting $2.5 billion out of the state’s budget at a time when our communities need more investment, not less.

Public investment is essential to expanding economic opportunity and prosperity in Massachusetts. Each of the ballot questions up for vote on Nov. 2 would jeopardize the wellbeing of our communities by reducing that investment or by limiting access to the programs that make Massachusetts a better place to live. I am advocating a No vote on all three ballot questions.

Ballot Question 3 would remove $2.5 billion funding from our schools, parks, roads, youth programs and services for seniors, and would significantly slow down our economic recovery. Opponents of the measure estimate it would cost Brookline more than $2 million in state education and Local Aid funding. We’re currently number one in terms of the percentage student population growth in Massachusetts, and we added teaching staff. We also currently have a deficit in our school budget, even without the education cuts Question 3 will require. This would mean even larger class sizes and fewer resources for our students. It would mean our town would have to absorb cuts to our police and fire departments, jeopardizing vital public safety functions. And it would also mean cuts to human service programs, youth programs and elder services. I don’t know how much more we can cut out of our public libraries; we’ve cut so much already.

Ballot Question 2 would hurt communities like Brookline that have a vision for their community which includes using 40B, the affordable housing law, as a key strategy in the planning and approval of development projects. And, this isn’t just about housing. Repealing the law would immediately halt the construction of more than 12,000 homes, and all of the jobs and related economic benefits.

Ballot Question 1 would make it harder for people who struggle with alcohol and drug abuse to receive the treatment they need to get their lives back on track. With Massachusetts facing a serious budget deficit, don’t give alcohol a special exemption.

In these tough economic times, it may be tempting for many to vote Yes on ballot questions whose proponents promise tax savings. The lure of a few more dollars in consumers’ pockets can easily blind voters to the damage these ballot questions could have on our families, communities, education system and public structures. Proponents of the ballot initiatives say our government can do more with less. But we’re already cutting, and the fact remains that we’re struggling to pull out of a global recession — the worst I’ve seen in my lifetime. The economic recovery we are now in will require a sustained effort.

Brookline is independent. Each of us who lives here is making an investment in the future of our town. But we’re also part of the commonwealth. It is only together that we are able to provide each person in our state with the opportunity to build a successful life. Now is not the time to cut our investments. Vote No on all three ballot questions.

Sondra Peskoe works with ONE Massachusetts, a project of The Public Policy Institute, organizing the grassroots voter education and mobilization efforts for Vote No on Ballot Questions 1, 2 & 3 for the Nov. 2 general election. She lives on Kent Street.

About Us

Sign up

for daily e-mail

Site Services

Market Place

Community Info

Community Blogs

Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted.
Brookline TAB ~ 254 Second Ave., Needham, Massachusetts 02494 ~ Privacy Policy ~ Terms Of Service